"Much may follow from it," significantly but quietly replied Kallash. "But at present the only important matter is, that I know all. I repeat it—all."
"Where are your facts?" asked the baroness.
"Facts? Hm!" laughed Kallash. "If facts are needed, they will be forthcoming. Believe me, dear baroness, that if I had not legally sufficient facts in my hands, I would not have spoken to you of this."
Kallash lied, but lied with the most complete appearance of probability.
The baroness again grew confused and turned white.
"Where are your facts? Put them in my hands!" she said at last, after a prolonged silence.
"Oh, this is too much! Get hold of them yourself!" the count replied, with the same smile. "The facts are generally set forth to the prisoner by the court; but it is enough for you in the meantime to know that the facts exist, and that they are in my possession. Believe, if you wish. If you do not wish, do not believe. I will neither persuade you nor dissuade you."
"And this means that I am in your power? she said slowly, raising her piercing glance to his face.
"Yes; it means that you are in my power," quietly and confidently answered Count Kallash.
"But you forget that you and I are in the same boat."